The most striking thing about the 500 Benelli is that it bears more than a
passing resemblance to another four-stroke, four-cylinder half-litre machine,
the 500 Honda. The similarity centres on the engine which not only looks like
the Japanese bike's unit, but also sports the same cylinder dimensions: 56 x
50.6 mm. However, with a 10.2:1 compression ratio, the Benelli produces slightly
more power with 55 bhp available at 9800 rpm.

The single-overhead-camshaft engine, which is fed by four Dell'Orto
carburettors, can push the 440 lb bike to a top speed of 112 mph. Because of the
bike's relatively low weight, fuel consumption is good and 50 mpg is easily
possible. Although initially available with two powerful drum brakes, the 500 is
now equipped with a two disc front and single disc rear layout, a move dictated
by the public's reaction to the many disc-braked Japanese bikes.

Styling is typically Italian with wide flat handlebars and boxy panels, tank
and instruments. Incidentally, the bike's engine is manufactured at the
Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, as are all the Benelli four-stroke
engines, while the two-stroke units of the two companies are built at Benelli's
Pesaro works. This has been the case since motor magnate Alejandro de Tomaso
bought out the ailing companies a few years ago. Since that time, the single-cam
Honda lookalike engine has been the basis for most of the companies' four-stroke
range.

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